Antenna Engineer

Akkar; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Akkar is seeking an experienced Antenna Engineer to join our hardware team for a hands-on role covering the full antenna development lifecycle from design to testing for a next-generation space satellite constellation.

You will design and optimize antennas, run full-wave simulations using HFSS, CST and ADS, prototype and test with near-field and anechoic measurements, and collaborate with RF, mechanical and systems teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in antenna design through industry or research.
• Strong experience across antenna design, simulation and measurement.
• Experience with Ka-band or higher frequencies.
• Hands‑on experience with RF lab equipment including VNAs, spectrum analysers and signal generators.
• Experience with tools such as HFSS, CST, ADS and MATLAB.
• Background in spacecraft antennas, RF hardware or high-frequency antenna systems.
• Experience with reflectarrays, transmitarrays, quasi‑optical apertures, multilayer PCB fabrication or space-based antenna design would be particularly relevant.
• The role is subject to US ITAR requirements, so applicants will need to meet the relevant eligibility requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimise antennas and aperture structures, including reflectarrays, transmitarrays, reflector systems and printed arrays.
• Develop and characterise radiating elements and unit cells.
• Run full-wave EM simulations using HFSS, CST and ADS.
• Define antenna requirements and work closely with RF, mechanical and systems engineering teams.
• Lead tolerance and yield analysis and translate manufacturing variation into antenna performance.
• Prototype and test hardware using near-field, compact range and anechoic chamber measurement.
• Support link budgets and overall payload performance.
• Work with manufacturing partners on fabrication and test procedures.

Skills

Antenna design

Antenna simulation

Antenna measurement

RF lab equipment

HFSS

CST

ADS

MATLAB

Tools

HFSS

CST

ADS

MATLAB

Job description

I’m working with a rapidly growing space technology company developing a next-generation MEO satellite constellation, and we’re looking for an experienced Antenna Engineer to join the hardware team.

This is a hands‑on role covering the full antenna development lifecycle, from EM design and simulation through prototyping, measurement and qualification.

What you’ll be working on:

• Design and optimise antennas and aperture structures, including reflectarrays, transmitarrays, reflector systems and printed arrays
• Develop and characterise radiating elements and unit cells
• Run full-wave EM simulations using HFSS, CST and ADS
• Define antenna requirements and work closely with RF, mechanical and systems engineering teams
• Lead tolerance and yield analysis and translate manufacturing variation into antenna performance
• Prototype and test hardware using near‑field, compact range and anechoic chamber measurement
• Support link budgets and overall payload performance
• Work with manufacturing partners on fabrication and test procedures

What we’re looking for:

• 5+ years' experience in antenna design through industry or research
• Strong experience across antenna design, simulation and measurement
• Experience with Ka-band or higher frequencies
• Hands‑on experience with RF lab equipment including VNAs, spectrum analysers and signal generators
• Experience with tools such as HFSS, CST, ADS and MATLAB
• Background in spacecraft antennas, RF hardware or high-frequency antenna systems

Experience with reflectarrays, transmitarrays, quasi‑optical apertures, multilayer PCB fabrication or space-based antenna design would be particularly relevant.

The role is subject to US ITAR requirements, so applicants will need to meet the relevant eligibility requirements.